title: An evaluation of generalization of mands during functional communication training.
abstract: The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the generalization of mands during functional communication training (FCT) and sign language training across functional contexts (i.e., positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement). A secondary purpose was to evaluate a training procedure based on stimulus control to teach manual signs. During the treatment evaluation, we implemented sign language training in 1 functional context (e.g., positive reinforcement by attention) while continuing the functional analysis conditions in 2 other contexts (e.g., positive reinforcement by tangible item; negative reinforcement by escape). During the generalization evaluation, we tested for the generalization of trained mands across functional contexts (i.e., positive reinforcement; negative reinforcement) by implementing extinction in the 2 nontarget contexts. The results suggested that the stimulus control training procedure effectively taught manual signs and treated destructive behavior. Specific patterns of generalization of trained mands and destructive behavior also were observed.
authors.affiliation: UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN AND THE MEADOWS CENTER FOR PREVENTING EDUCATIONAL RISK.
authors.forename: Terry S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Falcomata
authors.forename: David P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Wacker
authors.forename: Joel E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Ringdahl
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vinquist
authors.forename: Anuradha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dutt
mesh_terms: D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003142:Communication; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000628:therapy*; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D005793:Generalization, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D012813:Sign Language
keywords: autism; developmental disabilities; functional communication training; generalization; sign language training